Description
The Carciofo Viola Di Sicilia is one of Italy’s most prized artichoke varieties, celebrated for its exquisite tenderness and distinct, aromatic flavour. Unlike common varieties, this purple gem offers a slightly sweet taste beautifully balanced by a characteristic herbaceous aftertaste, with less of the typical bitter notes.
The compact, often thornless, violet heads are highly versatile in the kitchen. Enjoy the young, tender hearts sliced raw in salads with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon, or use the mature buds for traditional dishes like Carciofi alla Romana (braised), or sliced thinly and deep-fried for a Roman-style treat. It’s a spectacular ingredient for pasta dishes, risottos, and a luxurious side dish.
Growing Guide: This perennial vegetable thrives in Malta’s climate, which closely mirrors its native Sicilian conditions.
When to Plant: Your young seedling can be planted out immediately, but for the best results in Malta, plant out from late August to October. This allows the plant to establish its root system during the milder autumn and winter, preparing it for a productive harvest from late winter through spring. Planting in spring is also possible but requires more vigilant watering during the hotter months.
Location/Sun: Artichokes need full sun (at least 6 hours per day) to produce well. Given Malta’s intense summer sun, consider a location that receives afternoon shade (e.g., against an east-facing wall) if you intend for the plant to survive and continue producing through the following year.
Soil & Potting: Plant in well-draining soil. This is crucial to prevent root rot, especially during Malta’s rainier winter period. It prefers a medium-loam soil. For pots, choose a very large container (the bigger, the better!) and use a quality potting mix, ensuring the container has excellent drainage holes.
Watering: Water regularly, particularly during the hot, dry periods between April and October. Artichokes are thirsty, especially once established. Check the top inch of soil; if it’s dry, it needs water. Avoid wetting the central crown of the plant or the leaves in the midday sun. Drip irrigation is highly recommended to conserve water.
Care & Harvest: Artichokes are heavy feeders; apply a balanced organic feed monthly until the flower head forms. Harvest by cutting the main central bud (the largest) first, leaving about an inch of stem. This encourages the plant to produce smaller, secondary buds (known as botoli or side shoots), extending your harvest. In late autumn/early winter, remove old foliage and mulch around the base of the plant.
Why Buy Seedlings? Skip the delicate and often lengthy process of starting from seed! Our strong, established Carciofo Viola Di Sicilia seedlings are ready to plant straight into your garden or pot. Buying seedlings gives you a significant head start, ensuring a higher chance of successful establishment and a delicious harvest much sooner than starting from scratch.
